PERRY LEE MANN
Perry Lee Mann of Opelika died on Feb. 8, 2025, while a resident at St. Martin’s in the Pines in Birmingham. He was 85 years old, born on Jan. 24, 1940.
Perry was raised in Opelika and graduated from Cliff Hare High School in 1958. He later earned a technical degree in industrial manufacturing. During his career, he managed employees in many industries around the Southeast. He received several awards for his managerial skills and as a MATCO Distributor. Upon his retirement in 2010, he moved from Gadsden back home to Opelika. In retirement, he worked part-time driving buses for Auburn University and Auburn City Schools.
Perry enjoyed baseball, fishing, hunting, Auburn University sports and sitting on his porch feeling the warmth of the sun while watching the day go by. He was an avid reader, especially western novels by Louis L’ Amour and his pocket Bible. Perry was a faithful believer in Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior.
Perry was blessed with 13 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren who were his greatest love. “Pops” attended many dance recitals, baseball games, football games, pageants, birthday parties and graduations. He was always the most vocal person in attendance when it came to supporting his “grands.”
Perry was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Lee Mann and Annie Bell Mann; brothers, Huey Andrew Mann and Henry Earl Mann; sister, Betty Mann Coombs; son, David Perry Mann, and daughter-in-law, Elizabeth K. Mann.
He is survived by his sons, Ted L. Mann (Venita), Victor D. Mann, Jamey S. Mann and Robert B. Mann (Alexandra); brother, Noyle Mann; sister-in-law, Maxine A. Mann; grandchildren, Lacey M. Woodroof (Tom), Nathaniel B. Mann (Liz), Kelsey M. Long (Tyler), Dylan D. Mann (April), Zachary S. Mann (Brogan), Nicholas B. Mann, Austin T. Mann (Lauren), Megan M. Fowler (Steven), Sydney M. Cagle (Cameron), Jacob L. Mann, Olivia G. Mann, Jackson L. Mann and Sabrina R. Mann; great-grandchildren, Lilly S. Drake, Ambrose Munsey-Mann, Ruby B. Fowler, Rowan Fowler, Ellis K. Mann and Charlotte M. Long; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Perry’s family is grateful for the patient and kind care he received from the nurses, aides and staff of St. Martin’s and Comapssus Hospice. A special thank you to Fay Parker, a dear and devoted friend to Perry these last years that he lived in Opelika. He treasured their many daily talks, her Sunday meals and more recently the heartwarming cards, letters and devotional inserts she sent to him while he was a resident at St. Martin’s.
A funeral service will take place on Feb. 14 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 2 p.m., followed by a service at 3 p.m. and burial thereafter in Garden Hills Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, Perry’s family requests donations be made to your local homeless shelter of choice. “Pops” always valued and appreciated a roof over his head and a good meal.
CHAD BRANDON WILBANKS
Chad Brandon Wilbanks, age 54, passed away on Feb. 6, 2025, at Baptist South Hospital in Montgomery.
Chad is survived by his loving wife, Sharon Wilbanks; children, Amanda Hebb (Damon) and Olivia Wilbanks; parents, Carol Gilliland Wilbanks and Herbert Wilbanks; mother-in-law, Carolyn Huey; sister-in-law, Lynn Hutchins (Bryan); brother-in-law, Phil Huey (Karen); nephews, Robert Hutchins (Christian), Brett Hutchins and Garrett Hutchins; nieces Emily Huey, Anna Grace Huey and Elizabeth Huey; and many cousins and friends.
Chad was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Lamar and Eloise Gilliland, and stepbrother, Gene Wilbanks.
Chad was born on Feb. 25, 1970, in Birmingham. He graduated from Huffman High School in 1988. He was a proud alumnus of Auburn University, where he met his wife, Sharon. Chad was also a proud business owner of Jimmy’s Car Stereo in Auburn. He was a man of many passions and hobbies, including car audio, woodworking, Lego creations, art, home improvement and much more. Chad was known for the way he served his church, family and friends. He was a behind the scenes, hardworking man who never wanted the spotlight. He had the best smile and laugh and always made sure his family knew he was proud of them and loved them.
Chad and Sharon celebrated 31 anniversaries together, marrying on June 23, 1993, in Maui, Hawaii. Their relationship was full of love, travels, laughter and care. Chad was the best “girl dad” to his daughters, Amanda and Olivia. He was present and involved in every bit of their life and never failed to make them feel loved and important.
A celebration of life memorial service will be held at Auburn Community Church’s Airport Road Campus on Saturday, Feb. 15, at 11 a.m., preceded by a visitation at 10 a.m. A small graveside service at Town Creek Cemetery for family and close friends will follow the service.
Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
DAVID GEORGE TURNER
David George Turner, age 65, of Valley passed away Feb. 7, 2025, after an extended illness.
He is survived by his soulmate of 16 years, Theresa Davis; son, Moses Turner; daughter, Rebecca Agee; stepsons Jason Spears, Cody and Ty Andrews; nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren; brothers, Frank and Bruce Cook; and sisters, Roxanne Kwiecinski and Billie Langford.
He was preceded in death by his father, Dave Turner; mother, Sylvia Bell; and sister, Michelle Cook.
A memorial service to honor David’s life was held Feb. 11 at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home, where family and friends gathered in remembrance of a life well lived.
JOHN ROBERT BAXTER
John Robert Baxter, 69, passed away Feb. 1, 2025, at Bethany House in Auburn.
He was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Peggy Baxter. He is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth Baxter of Dallas, Texas; sister, Diane Cibulsky (Robert) of Hilton Head, South Carolina; nephew, Michael Cibulsky (Courtney); great nephews, Bryce and Noah Cibulsky of Johns Island, South Carolina; many cousins and friends.
John was born in Valdosta, Georgia, on Oct. 26, 1955. John’s father Robert was employed with International Paper Company, and growing up he lived for extended periods in Georgetown, South Carolina and Camden, Arkansas. He was a graduate of Camden High School and Auburn University, where he earned his degree in electrical engineering. John worked for the Square D Corporation following his graduation and subsequently for the General Electric Corporation and ABB in Birmingham, where he worked in sales and marketing for more than 35 years.
An avid fan of college football, he retired to Auburn in 2022 to spend more time with his beloved Auburn Tigers.
John was a member of the Church of the Highlands. He had a kind heart, enjoyed humor and loved animals, especially dogs. He made the world a better place one smile at a time. He was a beloved son, father, brother and uncle.
Burial will be in Towne Creek Cemetery in Auburn, and a memorial celebration of his life will be held at a future date which will be announced in the next two weeks.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Auburn University Foundation, Bethany House or a charity of one’s choice.
Frederick-Dean Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements.
BROOKE RAE CARDOZA
Brooke Cardoza, 42, was born in Modesto, California, on July 31, 1982. She passed away at her residence in Auburn on Jan. 30, 2025.
She is survived by her husband, Laurence Cardoza; sons, Alex Goulet, Jaxx Shoemaker and Phynx Cardoza; and daughter, Quinsley Cardoza.
Frederick-Dean Funeral Home and Crematory assisted the family with arrangements.
PEGGY ANN JONES DUNSON
Peggy Ann Jones Dunson of Opelika died at Bethany House in Auburn on Feb. 6, 2025.
She was predeceased by her parents, Loman and Helen (Trussell) Jones. She is survived by her husband, Ronald Dunson; daughter, Lisa Stenner (Dave); son, Jason Dunson (Stephanie); four grandsons, Colten, Trevor, Dalton and Camden; sister, Donna Mormon; brothers, Bob (Gay) and Barry (Kathy); a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins and friends.
Peggy was born in Opelika on April 24, 1945. She graduated from Auburn High School in 1963 and moved to Atlanta where she attended Massey Business College. Ironically, it was in Atlanta that she met Ronald who had only lived a mile away from her in Alabama. Peggy worked at the TV station WSB in a number of roles, including modeling fur coats in commercials. She moved back to Opelika after she and Ronald were engaged. They were married in 1966 and would have celebrated their 59th anniversary on March 19 of this year. Peggy worked in a variety of data processing and financial positions at Ragland Brothers Wholesale, Ampex, Datacount and Wicks Broadcasting until her retirement in 2010. She had an incredible work ethic and was a friend to coworkers and clients.
An avid RVer and game player, Peggy and Ronald enjoyed many adventures and made friends from all corners of the country. She embraced the sparkle of life, and her laughter was infectious. Her incredible compassion and generosity were often unknown. She was devoted to her Savior, to her family and friends and to her community.
A service of witness to the resurrection and a celebration of Peggy’s life was held at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home on Feb. 10.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the East Alabama Food Bank or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
RUBY “NOVELENE” BREWER
Ruby “Novelene” Waggoner Brewer, born in 1930 in Forest, Mississippi, went to her Heavenly Home on Feb. 8, 2025.
She was predeceased by her husband, Hervie Brewer, and son, Ronald Brewer.
She is survived by her sons, Richard (Peggy) Brewer, Jim (Pam) Brewer and George (Cheryl) Brewer; six grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
She accepted Jesus into her heart at the age of 14 and was baptized in her uncle’s pond. Her steadfast faith and love for Jesus never wavered. She became a widow at a young age but went back to school and became a bookkeeper until she retired. She sang in the choir and taught Sunday School for 30 years. She loved her family and was a wonderful mother and grandmother who loved to cook and host the family. She would always make biscuits for breakfast, bake oatmeal chocolate chip cookies and was famous for her coconut cake. She was a wonderful woman who loved the Lord and her family and will be deeply missed but fondly remembered.
A funeral service was held at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home on Feb. 11. Novelene was laid to rest on Feb. 12 in Andrews Chapel Cemetery in Quitman, Mississippi.
TOMMY GRAYSON JR.
Tommy Grayson, 76, of Auburn ventured home peacefully in his sleep at Bethany House on Feb. 6, 2025.
He was born in New Orleans in 1948 to retired Navy Lt. Thomas Jay Grayson Sr. and Mary Alice Mahner Grayson. Tommy graduated from Dothan High School in 1966 before receiving a degree in business administration at Auburn University in 1970. He managed and owned several businesses in Auburn, where he gave countless individuals the opportunity to support themselves, thereby giving them a little more agency over the direction of their lives. He fervently believed in giving everyone a chance to succeed and encouraged them to pursue their education.
Tommy is survived by his wife, Marylynn Grayson; son, C.J. (Angie) Grayson; daughter, Halley Joy (Kyle) Corley; beautiful grandchildren, MacKenzie Corley, Jack Grayson and Eva Grayson; mentor in mayhem cousin, Bobby Mahner; other cousins and a brood of godchildren and great godchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sage and scoundrel cousin, John Mahner.
He was known for his love of life, his family and Auburn sports. He had a particular fondness for playing bad golf fast, irregularly cut muffalettas, watching Auburn baseball from the Left Field Lounge and cracking jokes so dry that they chafed. He and Halley often shared bacon and milkshakes for breakfast before opening his restaurants as a “quality control measure.” He pursued his goal of making at least one person smile every day with vigor.
Tommy fought valiantly against his cancer and approached the end of his days with an immense amount of grace, softness and humor. He understood the gift that was life.
In lieu of a service and in the spirit of bringing people together, he’s requested everyone pay a visit to your local seafood joint with your favorite people and let them know you love them. Life’s too short to eat bad food. Tip your waiter well in his honor.
Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
HOWARD CHARLES MEAD
Howard Charles Mead, 69, of Paris, Tennessee, passed away on Feb. 4, 2025, in Opelika. He was born May 21, 1955, in Walton, New York, and was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Barbara Mead and Howard Mead.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Faye Mead of Paris, Tennessee; children, Melissa Stone (Steven) of Mayfield, Kentucky, Cheryl Mead of Paris, Tennessee and Robert Mead of Union City, Tennessee; five cherished grandchildren; siblings, Mark Mead of Paris, Tennessee, and Melanie Howe of McKenzie, Tennessee, and Dale Mead; four nieces and four nephews.
Mr. Mead’s greatest joy came from providing for and spending time with his family. He proudly served his country as a Navy veteran and dedicated 36 years of his life as a professional truck driver. Howard’s work ethic, generosity and unwavering love for his family will be remembered by all who knew him.
Frederick-Dean Funeral Home and Crematory assisted the family with arrangements.
CRYSTAL DAWN PACE
Mrs. Crystal Dawn Pace, 44, of Wadley passed away at Emory Hospital in Atlanta on Jan. 27, 2025.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Bessie Mae Hunt, and brother, Michael Wink.
She is survived by her husband, Larry Pace II; daughter, Layla Mae Pace (Austin Okrutny); son, Levi Daniel Pace; brother, James Redden; grandchildren, Ashton and Serenity Okrutny; several nieces and nephews and many dear friends.
She was always helping others and would often go without to help others. She was a firecracker who will be dearly missed by her family and friends.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Jeff Jones Funeral Home of LaFayette is assisting the family with arrangements.
MIRENDA DIAN ETTER
Mirenda Dian Etter passed away on Feb. 4, 2025. She had battled Lupus for many years. She was born on July 22, 1965, in Columbus, Georgia, to Patricia Kirkland and Charles Etter. After graduating from Auburn High School, she enlisted in the U.S. Army. She served several years as an active member of the armed forces and in the reserves.
After returning home to Auburn, she attended Columbus State University, earned an associate degree and became co-owner of K &W Heating and Air for several years.
Mirenda loved life. She loved her Auburn Tigers and NASCAR. She enjoyed any type of fishing, camping and anything outdoors. She especially enjoyed spending time with her family and friends and was always ready to lend out a helping hand to anyone in need. Mirenda shared her life with Paronda Boyd, enjoying many years of happiness together.
Mirenda was preceded in death by her parents; her grandparents who raised her, Gladys and James Kirkland; a brother, Chris Etter; and children, John Alexander Balint and Dillion Hudson.
She is survived by Paronda Boyd; her children, David and Calley Tidwell and their children, Cameron and Trinity; Delaina Tidwell; Karen and Nick Brunner and their child, Scotty; Kalob and Erica Hudson and their child, Parker; Misty Coon and her children, Elania Patterson and Harper Coon; Joshua and Keisha Balint and their children, Jaiden and Greyson. She is also survived by her brothers, James Hudson and Jackie Hudson; sister, Shirlynn Etter and her children, Christian Etter and Alexis Rainey; and a host of lifelong friends.
A Celebration of Life was held Feb. 8 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home, with Dr. Rusty Sowell officiating. She was laid to rest in Garden Hills Cemetery.
The family is accepting flowers but also encourage donations be made in her name to CARE Humane Society (www.carehumane.org/donate-now).
CECIL WALDROUP
Cecil Waldroup was born on Nov. 6, 1942, in Akron, Ohio, and passed away peacefully on Feb. 1, 2025, in Opelika at age 82. Cecil’s life was a testament to resilience and love, leaving behind a legacy cherished by family and friends alike.
Cecil was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Debbie Waldroup; parents, Mary and William Waldroup; siblings, Mary T. Townsend, Ruth Tinnel, Jerry Waldroup, Park Waldroup and Bill Waldroup. Despite these losses, Cecil remained a steadfast presence for those who knew him.
He is survived by his loving children, Tommy Waldroup, Cecil “Two” Waldroup II and his wife Ashley, Trever Waldroup and Mary Leigh Hurston and her husband Frank Hurston; brothers, Wayne Waldroup and James Michael Waldroup; and three adored grandchildren, Taylor Waldroup, Cecil “Tater” Waldroup and Baby Hurston. His memory will live on through the lives of these family members who carry forward his spirit.
A memorial service was held Feb. 7 at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home and Crematory, where family and friends gathered in remembrance of a life well-lived. May Cecil’s memory bring comfort to all who knew them.
